If you’ve gotten into a motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical treatment. However, there are many cases where a car accident can leave you with hidden injuries. Some symptoms might not appear until you’ve received treatment – hours or even days after the accident in some cases.
Below are five symptoms that may not appear right away after your accident.
Neck or shoulder pain
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. However, its symptoms often manifest late. It can sometimes take at least 12 hours, a full day or even a few days for the symptoms to appear.
Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness are two common symptoms of whiplash that usually start within the next few days of the accident.
Dizziness or headaches
Headaches can creep up days or even weeks after the accident. While it might seem like a simple tension headache, a persistent headache could indicate more serious issues like a concussion or a blood clot. Dizziness and headaches, especially if accompanied by neck pain, may also indicate a whiplash injury.
Stomach or abdominal pain
Unexplained abdominal pain after a car accident is a red flag. It could signal internal bleeding or organ damage. This type of injury can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. If large bruises on your abdomen accompany your stomach pain, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling in your limbs may indicate nerve damage, especially along your spinal cord. These are usually symptoms of a pinched nerve or a herniated disk. However, numbness and tingling can often go unnoticed at first due to the adrenaline rush from the accident.
Behavioral changes
Emotional or behavioral changes are possible delayed signs of a traumatic brain injury. Look out for mood swings, irritability or memory issues. In the case of children, they may display changes in eating habits, persistent crying and a change in sleep patterns.
Protect your health and legal rights
In cases of delayed onset injury symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care promptly. Ignoring delayed onset injury symptoms can lead to serious health problems. Moreover, doing so may also complicate your insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver at fault.